Top of the Form

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Top of the Form was a BBC radio and television quiz show for teams from secondary schools, which ran for a remarkable 38 years. It was hosted by Wynford Vaughan-Thomas, Lionel Gamlin, Richard Dimbleby, David Dimbleby, John Ellison, Robert MacDermot, Kenneth Horne, John Edmunds, John Dunn, Tim Gudgin (1965-86), Bob Holness (1974-76), Paddy Feeny (1976-86) and Geoffrey Wheeler (1962-75).

It was broadcast on the BBC Light Programme 1948-67, then BBC Radio 2 (sometimes simulcast on BBC Radio 1) 1967-70, and BBC Radio 4 1970-86.

The tune "Marching Strings" by Marshall Ross was the theme for many years, though for the last few series, Emerson Lake and Palmer's recording of Aaron Copland's "Fanfare For The Common Man" was used.

The programme migrated to TV, where it ran from 1962-75, and was called Television Top of the Form. One of the most noted contestants was Darien Angadi who represented Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School and in later years became an actor with roles in dramas such as I, Claudius and Blake's 7.

The series tended to feature grammar schools; in later years, as these schools declined, comprehensive schools sometimes featured, but less often, and there was an increasing dominance by independent schools.

In its later years, the series was considered outmoded by some, who pointed to its supposed reliance on an assumed knowledge which was seen as outdated in the age of cultural relativism. However, it is remembered fondly by many.